9 Things You Can Buy Now and Wear Forever: Accessories Edition

Once in a while, a trendy accessory comes along—an ugly sneaker or a hypeworthy murse—and if they're your thing, we encourage you to indulge and exercise your individuality.

But they shouldn't be your only move.

The items on this list aren't sexy or exciting, but they are the classics that will take you through the years. These are the building blocks of a great wardrobe. These are the items you'll wear to death. These also don't come cheap because of their quality. They're definitely an investment, and they show that you mean business.

Here, a collection of accessories that have proven their non-negotiable status through the decades.

1| The black oxfords for all occasions

Because they are simple enough to be worn with a suit and elegant enough to go with a tux.

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John Lobb, Greenbelt 3

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2| The Chelsea boots never change

These hit that sweet spot between sneakers, combat boots, and oxfords—and they are good enough for bar dress codes, too. They look cool worn with a suit or jeans today as they did fifty years ago. The design hasn't really changed, and that’s saying something.

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Grenson, Assembly, SM Aura

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3| The loafers whose toes are tapered

These have all the benefits of a slip-on but with a dressier shape thanks to that tapered toe. They complement—again—both suit and jeans. You can wear them with no-show socks or with a well-made ribbed pair.

Vince Camuto, Shangri-La Plaza Mall

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4| The steel watch that won't break the bank

You don't have to wait for a treasured hand-me-down from your dad or an engagement gift from your fiancée. A chronometer in a stainless steel case will only set you back a couple of thousands. If you have a milestone to commemorate, do it with this.

Bremont, Lucerne, Shangri-La at the Fort

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5| The sunglasses that suit all faces

There's no outfit a pair of sunglasses can't improve, and there's nothing like a pair of Wayfarers to do just that. Feel free to explore other styles, but it's really the Wayfarer that flatters every face shape. Wear when celebrating in a suit (but never indoors) or when you're kicking it back in board shorts.

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Ray-Ban, Eye Society

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6| The slim cardholder that will put your pants on a diet

You're still not putting your lower back at risk of injury with a thick bi-fold stuffed with loyalty cards and receipts are you? Whether you prefer a neon-bright conversation piece or a classic form, when it comes to money holders, sleek is the only way to go.

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Balenciaga, Mr. Porter

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7| The leather belt in dependable black

A good belt is like good underwear. They're not exciting, but they're essential. Start with a black belt with, maybe, a buckle that has personality. Logos? Okay, but you should have something subtle on standby, too. We found the best of both worlds. This one is reversible.

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Hermès, Greenbelt 3

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8| The dress socks that feels good

If you're a loafers or low-cut sneaker kind of guy, you know that it's okay to look like you're not wearing socks, but there are times that you'll need one (for the dress code or to stay warm). Go for something ribbed, made with a luxurious material, and in a saturated hue that will make your feet look and feel good. The best ones money can buy are available online, but here are the next-best things.

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Ribbed socks, Uniqlo

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9| The silk knit tie that is forever

If you have three silk knit ties, you'll be set for life. They’re that versatile. Get them in a solid color, and the right weave: Make sure that it isn't too flat or dense. They also shouldn't be wider than 2.5 inches and not thinner than two inches.